On Oct. 1, Georgia Tech’s Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program began accepting nominations for the second iteration of the Institute’s newest undergraduate leadership development program — Leading Edge.

Undergraduates who participate in Leading Edge work one-on-one with a coach to explore their leadership potential and develop leadership skills.

At Georgia Tech, we know that leadership is something you “do.” As our now famous Nicholas Selby noted at this year’s New Student Convocation, this is Georgia Tech, and "we can do that." Leading Edge is a program for intentional and focused “doing” of leadership.

"Many of the leadership situations that students find themselves in are hit or miss and often just focused on getting a task accomplished,” said Wes Wynens, director of the LEAD Program. “But in Leading Edge, through careful feedback from trained leadership coaches and feedback from faculty and peers, students will gain insight into their leadership competencies and apply their new insights to a leadership action plan.”

Students are expected to apply their plan in leadership roles on or off campus. The leadership coach and student then discuss how the student has been able to implement their plan and get continued feedback on their practice. "Through this 'double loop' of learning we can accelerate the leadership development of our students,” Wynens said.

“Undergraduates should get involved with Leading Edge because it offers a practical, personal, and meaningful experience that isn't offered anywhere else on campus," said Rachel Bennett, one of Leading Edge’s 16 leadership coaches and a doctoral student in chemistry. “Tech is known for training brilliant scientists and engineers, but Leading Edge can complement that training by developing leadership skills that will make students successful beyond the classroom.”

Wynens encourages students to remember that leadership is often not about being in charge or directing, but about making difficult choices that allow leader, follower, and organization to move forward together. Leading Edge is a way for students to gain insights into that process.

There are 65 spots available for undergraduates in the Spring 2014 session of Leading Edge. Interested students will need to contact an advisor, faculty, or staff member for a nomination. All nominations must be submitted through the LEAD Program's website by Friday, Oct. 25. More information is available on leadership.gatech.edu.